The look on Ruben Amorim’s face said it all. It was a combination of sheepish embarrassment, a bit of anger, and a bit of relief. His team had eventually won a game, though it was against the re-inducted Burnley, and that too with a last-second penalty.
Manchester United struggled once again. But it was understandable. The team was under huge pressure to win at Old Trafford on Maych Day 3 of the EPL 25/26. Even a draw would have been disastrous. However, the Red Devils survived to fight another day.
An own goal from Burnley saw Manchester United take the lead in the 27th minute, to be cancelled out by a fine move from Burnley and a cool finish from Lyle Foster in the 55th minute. But United replied almost immediately with Diogo Dalot setting up Mbeumo with a fine run from the left and an equally good cross. Mbeumo, who has been impressive, struck his first goal in the Premier League for United with a controlled finish.
Burnley, however, were just not scared and fought back to level the match in a goal mouth scramble. United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir tried hard to keep the ball away, but Jaidon Anthony managed to score in the 66th minute.
The match was heading for a draw for all the money. Ruben Amorim’s emotions could be felt. A draw was just not acceptable. But then United got a stroke of luck with Diallo being brought down in the 7th minute of stoppage time. Bruno Fernandes rose to the occasion and scored, sending the fans into a rapturous applause, though Amorim kept shaking his head as the whistle blew.
Manchester United were scrappy in defence and the midfield, barring Dalot was not too inspiring. Mbeumo, for me, was the pick of the United players and looked good, strong, and purposeful. Burnley, on the other hand, were a bit unlucky. They deserved a draw.
The teams will have a pause in play for a couple of weeks, with the international break coming up. Lots to ponder upon for both sides.
A Desperate Manchester United and finally a desperate victory at Old Trafford.
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